Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims from all over India. Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, serves as a common starting point for devotees planning their journey to this revered temple.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, including trains, buses, and road travel. You will also find a step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on what to expect upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

Getting from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and comfortable option for many pilgrims. Pune is well connected to nearby railway stations that provide access to Srisailam, though some transfers are necessary.

• The nearest major railway station to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is Markapur Road (MKR), about 90 km away, accessible via trains from Pune Junction (PUNE) with a change at Guntakal or Hyderabad.

• Train journeys from Pune to Markapur Road typically take 18 to 22 hours, depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from INR 400 to 1500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run daily but booking in advance through IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri, when demand surges significantly.

• From Markapur Road station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Srisailam, which is about a 3-hour drive through hilly terrain and forested areas.

• Be aware that some trains may be delayed during monsoon months due to track maintenance or fog in the region, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Srisailam from Pune, though the journey is long and can be tiring. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• MSRTC and APSRTC operate buses from Pune to Hyderabad or Kurnool, from where direct buses to Srisailam are available; the total journey can take 16 to 20 hours.

• Direct buses from Pune to Srisailam are rare; most travelers take a bus to Hyderabad (about 12 hours) and then a connecting bus to Srisailam (about 4-5 hours).

• Bus fares range from INR 600 to 1200 depending on the type of bus—non-AC, AC sleeper, or Volvo services—and the operator.

• The buses depart from Pune’s Swargate or Shivajinagar bus stands, which are well connected to the city by local transport.

• During festival times, buses tend to be crowded and tickets sell out quickly; booking online or at the depot a few days in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH65 and NH44 are generally good, but expect slow movement near forested stretches, especially during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic routes. The distance is roughly 800 km and takes about 14 to 16 hours by road.

• The most common route is via NH48 to Hyderabad, then NH765 to Srisailam, covering approximately 800 km with tolls at multiple plazas along the way.

• Driving allows you to stop at rest areas like Solapur, Hyderabad, and Kurnool, where you can find decent food options and fuel stations.

• Roads are mostly in good condition, but the final stretch to Srisailam involves hilly terrain with sharp bends; drive cautiously, especially at night or during monsoon.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired in Pune; Ola and Uber offer outstation packages, but confirm availability for such long distances and negotiate fares beforehand.

• Plan your departure early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Srisailam before dark, as local transport options reduce significantly after sunset.

• Parking near the temple is limited during peak pilgrimage seasons, so consider staying in nearby guesthouses or dharamshalas.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Srisailam, but flying to nearby airports can save time for part of the journey.

• The closest airports are Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), about 210 km from Srisailam, and Vijayawada Airport (VGA), about 250 km away.

• From Pune, daily flights to Hyderabad take around 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• After arriving at Hyderabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam, which takes about 5 to 6 hours by road.

• Flight plus road travel is suitable if you want to save time on the long Pune-Hyderabad leg but be prepared for a long onward journey on hilly roads.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during festival seasons, is important to get reasonable fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 weeks in advance via IRCTC or official bus portals to secure your seat, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri or Kartik Purnima.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Markapur Road during daylight hours to make the onward taxi or bus journey safer and easier.

• Arrange local transport from Markapur Road or Hyderabad to Srisailam in advance by contacting local taxi operators or using trusted travel agents to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as food options on the route can be limited and hygiene varies.

• Plan your arrival in Srisailam early in the day to have enough time for darshan and to find accommodation, as lodgings fill up quickly during peak seasons.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available for safer and more reliable local travel, avoiding unmetered taxis or touts near stations and bus stands.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a photo ID and pilgrimage documents if applicable, as some local authorities may check for entry permissions during busy festival periods.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling by bus or train with limited hygiene facilities.

• Book tickets online to avoid last-minute queues and scams; use official portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC or APSRTC websites for buses.

• Local transport in Srisailam is limited; walking is common around the temple area, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill walking.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as you may need to handle transfers between different modes of transport and walk short distances.

• During monsoon (July to September), expect delays due to fog and slippery roads; carry rain gear and check weather updates before departure.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making travel and temple visits comfortable. Avoid the peak summer months when temperatures soar.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, especially on the hilly approach to Srisailam. Travel during this time requires caution and flexibility in your schedule.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri without prior bookings, as transport and accommodation get fully booked and crowded.

• Early morning departures from Pune help you avoid city traffic and reach your transit points in time for connecting trains or buses.

• Fog in the early mornings during winter months may cause train delays, so plan buffer time for connections.

• Summer heat from April to June can be intense, so carry sun protection and stay hydrated during road travel.

Arrival at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Srisailam, you will find a small town catering mainly to pilgrims. The temple complex is located on a hill, requiring some walking or use of local transport like jeeps or taxis.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws, but these can get crowded during peak times. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so plan accordingly. Accommodation ranges from dharamshalas to budget hotels near the temple and in the town center.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga from Pune is by train to Markapur Road followed by a taxi or bus to Srisailam. This option balances comfort, cost, and travel time well for most pilgrims. Alternatively, driving or flying to Hyderabad and continuing by road are viable choices depending on your preferences.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during festival seasons, to secure transport and accommodation. Pack smartly, stay hydrated, and be prepared for some walking and hilly terrain near the temple. With this guide, you can confidently undertake your pilgrimage from Pune to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and enjoy a spiritually rewarding experience.